Many workers in Detroit, Michigan unnecessarily suffer every day because of workplace discrimination. Hostility in the workplace can affect an employee’s morale and productivity and may result in resignation. Although reporting discriminatory practices may be the wisest decision, there are still risks involved, including retaliation and termination. Fortunately, technology can help ease the reporting of workplace discrimination.
Recently, Michigan’s American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC-Michigan) launched a mobile application called the “Civil Rights Action App” to memorialize the Civil Rights Act of 1964’s 50th anniversary. The application, which can be downloaded and installed on a smartphone, can help anyone who witnesses or experiences workplace discrimination, ethnic harassment or other civil rights violations to report the incident to ADC-Michigan.
The application can educate people about their rights in the workplace, during travel or while communicating with federal agents. It also allows the user to share news and receive alerts from ADC-Michigan, as well as interact on social media. The aim of the application is to empower and educate citizens with technology.
Michigan workers may choose to use the application and report any form of discrimination in the workplace or elsewhere. However, there are still risks of retaliation or termination for reporting discrimination. Unfortunately, workplace discrimination is not only unfair and illegal, but it can also put an employee and his or her family in a difficult, if not dangerous, situation.
Under federal and state laws, it is illegal to discriminate against an employee based on religious belief, race, age, physical disability or gender. Employees have the right to report any unfair employment practices. Employers should not tolerate or condone any form of employment discrimination, so it should be halted immediately.
However, proving workplace discrimination can be difficult. An employee needs sufficient proof, resources and legal knowledge to build a strong case. Fortunately, a legal professional can provide sound advice and help protect a worker’s best interests.
Source: Royal Oak Patch, “Michigan Civil Rights Group Offers First-Ever Anti-Discrimination App: Download It,” Beth Dalbey, April 16, 2014